Influenza and Pneumonia Data Trends, California 2000-2007

At a Glance

In 2007, influenza and pneumonia ranked as the 8th leading cause of death in California.

The age-adjusted death rate for influenza and pneumonia per 100,000 California residents in 2007 was 18.8, which represents a 35.6 percent decrease from a rate of 29.2 in 2000.

Blacks had the highest age-adjusted death rate for influenza and pneumonia, followed by Whites, Asians, and Hispanics during this period.

Both female and male age-adjusted death rates for influenza and pneumonia significantly declined from 2000 through 2007.

Influenza and Pneumonia deaths increased with age. Approximately 50 percent of all deaths occurred among California residents 85 and older; this increased to over 90 percent when measured from age 65.

Out of the 32 California counties that had reliable age-adjusted rates for each study year, 20 counties showed a statistically significant decrease in their influenza and pneumonia rates, while 12 counties did not show any statistically significant change.

The graph below illustrates a decrease in the U.S. and California age-adjusted death rates from 2000 to 2007. Although the difference decreased over time, California age-adjusted death rates remained slightly higher than the national age-adjusted death rates during this period.

This report was authored by Alicia Van Hoy, MA, Research Analyst II. Please contact DAReports@cdph.ca.gov for further information.